The Night of Fear of Men

 Signed copy of 'Early Fragments' 

Great first night at Primavera Club 2014!

Comfortable festival, nice new venues and, what's more important, really interesting bands. Proper chronicle will arrive shortly, but I couldn't help writing about Fear of Men's memorable night at Teatre Principal in Barcelona. Amazing gig from start to finish, upbeat, mostly danceable and absolutely irresistible. Gold jangle-pop propelled by Daniel Falvey chiming guitars and Jessica Weiss immaculate performance. I knew she had a fantastic voice, but what a dynamic and engaging frontwoman she also is!

The setlist of a memorable night

Setlist prioritised the most energetic tunes, something that proved to be a superb choice. The beginning was terrific, with the quartet delivering flawless renditions of 'Alta/Waterfall', 'Green Sea', 'Mosaic', 'Doldrums' and 'Born' consecutively, but the highlights, at least for me, where the striking cover of masterpiece 'Pink Frost' from The Chills with Jess seeming to be possessed by the vibe of the tune, the incredible 'Ritual Confession', one of my favourite tunes from the quartet, where I almost crashed my voice trying to reach the highest notes before the spectacular chorus, and the epic climax of final tune 'Inside', where guitars (again Falvey, what a performance) exploded. Among the best shows of the year for sure. Just love them!

Such an excellent night deserved a final touch. It was very nice to meet the Brighton band, chat with them briefly and have my "fan moment", as you can see in the photos. A grace note and a huge payoff for an equally huge fan, thanks to a band no one should miss. Thanks Fear of Men!! 

More interesting promising music at the second day of the Festival! We'll keep you posted!

Meeting the band. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Math and Physics Club & Alpaca Sports new wonders!

If yesterday was folk, today I have to write about two wonderful indiepop comebacks.

First, a most welcomed return after three years of silence. Math and Physics Club are back with single "Long Drag/Across the Paper", just out on Matinée Recordings (yeah I know, Bubblegum Lemonade and now this?, the explanation is simple: the label is always on a roll). The release precedes the Seattle band's new album, "Our Hearts Beat Out Loud", out later in the year. The title track, "Long Drag" is simply stunning, pulse-beating, addictive and joyful (how many times I have written that hand-claps can make the difference?) and a killer chorus. In contrast, b-side "Across the Paper" is a mellower, more intimate affair immediately recalling Allo Darlin' with their ukulele. Charming. What a comeback!
And second, Alpaca Sports. AGAIN. "He Doesn't Even Like You" is their new single and, AGAIN, is a gorgeous, naturally irresistible, and catchy as hell pop tune (backed with a Tiny Fireflies remix of "I Was Running"). One more song and I will start to think the Swedish have sold their soul to the devil (indiepop devil, that is) and that's why they keep releasing gem after gem effortlessly (or at least, that's what it seems). Please, Alpaca Sports, release them together so we can finally have them compiled! Plus, and needless to say, have to watch them live...

Best EPs of the Year 2012

After the books and concerts, is time to review 2012 in music releases. It's been a year full of wonderful EPs (only EPs, no singles, 3 to 5 songs), so they deserved a list of their own. Needless to say, this is a very personal list (comments on each band clicking on their links). Hope you enjoy it!

15. The Stammer- The Stammer 
14. Shy Little Jane Presents: The Dramatic Tale of Her Animals- Jane Joyd
13. The Belljars- The Belljars 
12. Baffin Island- Baffin Island 
11. Pale Lights- Pale Lights 
10. We Hunt- All We Are 
9. The Fake Stories About You & Me- Pale Sunday 
8. StarTropics- StarTropics 
7. Pure Bathing Culture- Pure Bathing Culture 
6. Young Romance- Young Romance
5. Ununiversalizable Us- The Very Most
4. The Distractions- Rose Elinor Dougall
3. Time Relentless- The Hermit Crabs
2. No Sleep- Fountains
1. End of Daze- Dum Dum Girls
 
The "Records List" coming shortly!